System and method for collecting DNA and fingerprints

ABSTRACT

A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/420,918, filed Apr. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,123, whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/374,488filed on Apr. 23, 2002, each of which are incorporated herein byreference in its their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention provides a system and method for the collection ofa DNA sample(s) and ridge and valley signature(s) from a subject duringa continuous time slot, hereinafter called a collection window. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides for both simultaneous andcombined collection of samples of DNA and ridge and valley signaturesfrom a subject during a single collection window. Most particularly, thepresent invention provides for both simultaneous and combined collectionin a single physical location of forensic quality samples of DNA andridge and valley signatures from a subject during a single collectionwindow of no more than about 45 or no more than about 30 minutesduration or no more than about 15 minutes duration.

2. Description of the Related Art

Humans have ridges and valleys on their hands and feet. A ridge andvalley signature is the pattern formed by the ridges and valleys withinat least one of the areas within the hands and feet. Ridge and valleyimpressions from a subject's fingers are commonly known as fingerprints.Animals also commonly have unique patterns on their footpads. In dogsand cats, for example, these patterns are called paw prints.

Many entities collect demographic and ridge and valley signature data toverify a subject's identity or to preserve a subject's uniquelyidentifying ridge and valley signatures for later use. Ridge and valleydata are typically collected using paper and ink or optical imagingsystems. Biometrics is the science of using digital technology toidentify individuals based on that individual's unique physical andbiological qualities, e.g., fingerprints, iris scans, and DNA. Thesebiological qualities can be captured at different levels with the mostuseful and accurate being forensic quality. For example, the U.S.Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains standards for forensic qualityridge and valley signature capture and transmission. The standards areset forth in the following documents, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference:

-   -   Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint Information,        ANSI/NIST-CSL 1-1993.    -   Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification, Federal        Bureau of Investigation, March 1998, CJIS-RS-0010 (V6R2).

When ridge and valley signatures are captured according to thesestandards, the signatures are said to be of forensic quality. Amongother attributes, forensic quality signatures must digitally representthe ridge and valley patterns of an individual as an image with at least500 dots per inch resolution.

Another biometric tool that has been increasingly used in the lawenforcement field is DNA association with an individual. It should beunderstood that in the text of this patent that “DNA sample” and “DNAbearing sample” both mean a biological sample that contains DNA whichcan be analyzed with scientific methods. The Federal Bureau ofInvestigation maintains a DNA database, called the Combined DNA IndexSystem, or CODIS, through which Federal, State, and Local lawenforcement agencies may request forensic DNA matching. The forensicquality of CODIS and any State or Local DNA database is maintained byusing recognized DNA sampling guidelines. These guidelines are:

-   -   1. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must wear clean,        dry rubber gloves and change them between collecting samples.    -   2. Any instruments used by a system monitor for the collection        of a DNA sample (e.g., scissors, swabs, etc) must either be        disposed of or thoroughly cleaned and dried between collecting        samples.    -   3. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must avoid        touching the area where the DNA is located.    -   4. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must not sneeze,        cough, talk, or otherwise release saliva over the sample.    -   5. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must not touch        his/her face or other body parts while collecting the sample.    -   6. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must ensure than        no hairs, eyelashes, or other such personal substances of the        system monitor touch the DNA sample.    -   7. The collected DNA sample must be completely air-dried before        packaging and, preferably, the drying environment should be        sterile to prevent environmental contamination.    -   8. The collected and air-dried DNA sample should be placed into        a new, clean, dry, paper bag for transportation and not in a        plastic bag, since plastic bags can retain moisture that can        degrade the forensic quality of the DNA sample.    -   9. Externally applied tape should be used to securely close a        bag containing a DNA sample as staples can physically harm the        DNA sample, or chemically contaminate it.    -   10. A DNA sample must be stored in a cool, dry location, out of        direct sunlight because sunlight, heat, and moisture can damage        the DNA sample.    -   11. All DNA samples must be packaged independently of one        another to avoid cross-contamination.    -   12. The DNA sample collection medium, such as adhesive paper or        tape, must never be exposed to the environment until the DNA        sample is to be taken, and should be kept in a sterile package        until needed, in order to prevent environmental contamination.

The following documents provide further background informationconcerning DNA collection standards and the entire contents of each areincorporated herein by reference.

-   -   What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA        Evidence. National Institute of Justice, Brochure #BC000614,        NIJ, September 1999.        http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffilesl/nij/bc000614.pdf    -   Collection and Preservation of Evidence. Schiro, George, La.        State Police Crime Laboratory.        http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/evidenc3.html    -   Collection Of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Reference Specimens To        Aid In Remains Identification, Commandant of the Marine Corps,        Marine Corps Order #MCO 1771.1A, Jun. 15, 1999.        http://www.usmc.mil/directiv.nsf/df51342d91236d2685256517004eb0        26/883ca1c315d11fe9852568500061751a?OpenDocument    -   Evidence Handling Guide, L.A. Department of Public Safety and        Corrections, Office of State Police, Crime Laboratory.

Early patents directed to capture and enhancement of images offingerprints did not yield forensic quality prints and/or did notcapture a subject's DNA. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,982,836,4,120,585, and 4,340,300 all issued well prior to the FBI's definitionof forensic quality prints therefore these systems had not been designedwith these exacting standards in mind. Likewise, such fingerprintingpatents make no provision for collection of DNA samples. U.S. Pat. No.3,982,836 to Green et al., the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference, teaches a transparent pressure-sensitive gel forcapturing a pattern of a finger being pressed thereon, through which gela beam of polarized collimated light is passed and the modified lightbeam emitted by the gel being projected through a polarization analyzerto produce an enhanced image of the fingerprint that is input to animage comparator.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,585 to De Palma et al., the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference, teaches a pliable optical prismthat deforms to partially capture a mirrored topographic configurationof the surface of a finger pressed thereon, for production of an imagethat is input to an optical imaging system (such as a fingerprintreader).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,300 to Ruell, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, teaches a transparent polymerfingerbed that is elastic to form a topographic relief of a fingerpattern, the fingerbed facing a sensor plate having a light sourcecoupled to one edge such that the output beam is directed onto a lightsensitive are of an electro-optical sensing array for input to an imageprocessing system.

A large body of later patents exists for devices that capture ridge andvalley data digitally using optical imaging systems. A variety of othercollection techniques have been developed and patented as well that relyon physical properties such as capacitance, infra-red radiation, andultrasound.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,347 to Podmaniczky et al., the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, teaches an optical imagingsystem between an object plane of a total reflection prism and an imageplane, mainly for a fingerprint reading apparatus, comprising an opticsfor imaging the object plane to the image plane, and an electronic imagedetector in the image plane. The prism has a first surface receivinglight for illuminating the object plane through the interior of theprism and a further surface through which light reflected from theobject plane passes towards the optics.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,969 to Keagy et al., the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference, teaches a thin, inexpensive,removable platen for a direct fingerprint reader without a permanentlyattached platen, wherein the platen is removable and is formed as atransparent area on a credit card, passport or identification card or asa separate card. The portable platen on the card is inserted over animaging area of a direct fingerprint reader and light from the directfingerprint reader passes through an optical surface formed on theunderside of the portable platen, is reflected off the fingerprint andpasses back through the optical surface to the imaging apparatus wherethe image is digitized and analyzed and having the optical surface isformed such that the incident light is not refracted away from thefingerprint and the reflected light from the fingerprint is notrefracted away from the imaging apparatus.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,665 to Suga, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, teaches a fingerprint detecting deviceincluding a flat transparent body, a light source, a thin surface filmlayer, a fluid layer, and an image detection unit, wherein thetransparent body on which a skin surface of a finger is pressed has asurface constituted by a scattering surface with a finethree-dimensional unevenness such that the light source irradiatesincident light from inside of the transparent body on the skin surfacepressed against the surface of the transparent body, the surface filmlayer is formed on the surface of the transparent body via a small gap,on which a three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferredby pressing the finger, the fluid layer is formed by sealing one of agas and a liquid in the gap between the surface of the transparent bodyand the surface film layer, and is pressed by the surface film layer onwhich the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferredand the image detection unit detects an image fingerprint pattern on thebasis of the light from the light source, the reflection of which ischanged at the surface of the transparent body, when the surface filmlayer comes into contact with the surface of the transparent body inaccordance with the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,319 to Fujiwara, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, teaches a fingerprint input apparatusthat includes a prism, a light source, a pinhole, and an imaging plane,wherein the prism is placed such that a surface in one direction servesas a fingerprint collection surface, the light source irradiates lighton the fingerprint collection surface through the prism, the pinhole isset in the path of light which is reflected by the pattern surface of afinger placed on the fingerprint collection surface and emerges from theprism such that the light emerging from the prism and passing throughthe pinhole is formed into an image on the imaging plane and when theprism is substituted by air, an optical fingerprint collection surfaceequivalent to the fingerprint collection surface is set to besubstantially parallel to the imaging plane.

None of these systems capture forensic quality ridge and valleysignatures and DNA samples. However, there are existing optical imagingsystems, known as LiveScan systems, which capture forensic quality ridgeand valley signatures directly into a digitized format as opposed totraditional ink and paper methods. There are also various means ofcollecting DNA samples. For instance, existing methods include blooddrawing, hair pulling, and buccal swabbing.

Livescan refers to the use of a computer-based device which reads thefingerprint patterns of a subject directly from the subject's fingers.Therefore, the prints are collected into an electronic medium from a“live” person's fingers rather than being read from an inked paper card.

The device typically uses a specially coated glass platform or platenupon which the subject's fingers are rolled or pressed. Images arecaptured from underneath the platen by one or multiple Charged CoupleDevice cameras (CCD) or one or multiple CMOS cameras and converted intodigital files. Captured images, along with the demographic informationabout the subject, can then be transmitted electronically to a centraldatabase for print comparison.

For example, LiveScan systems are available from sources listed in TABLE1.

TABLE 1 Name Web Address Cross Match Technologieshttp://www.crossmatch.com Heimann Biometric Systemshttp://www.hbs-jena.com/ Identix http://www.identix.com/ Printrakhttp://www.printrakinternational.com/

Cross Match Technologies manufactures a LiveScan device on which asilicone film is placed directly on a platen and the person pressesdirectly into the silicone film to enhance fingerprint image quality.The film is not removable on a person-by-person basis and is notdesigned to collect DNA.

While LiveScan is designed to capture both rolled and slappedfingerprints, other devices that capture one or several fingerprints notconforming to the FBI specification exist. Single digit capture deviceswhich capture one digit at a time are available from sources listed inTABLE 2.

TABLE 2 Name Web Address Cross Match Technologieshttp://www.crossmatch.com Exact ID http://www.exactid.com/ Identixhttp://www.identix.com/ Secugen http://www.secugen.com

These systems may not collect forensic quality images as defined aboveby the FBI and none of these existing single digit capture devices alsocollects DNA.

Another significant problem of most prior art optical imaging systems isthat these may produce ridge and valley signatures that are distorteddue to movement of the ridge and valley area on the surface of thescanning device as the ridge and valley area is being scanned. Observeddistortions include smudging and stretching of ridge and valleypatterns. All prior art systems do not possess the capability tooptionally acquire DNA samples as the ridge and valley signatures arebeing collected.

Regardless of the collection method, each prior art forensic qualityridge and valley signature results in data presumed to uniquely identifyan individual to those skilled in the art of fingerprint identification.Usage of the ridge and valley signatures in this way makes ridge andvalley signature association with an individual a very valuablebiometric tool.

Most of the prior art DNA sampling techniques are unsuitable for masscollection of DNA samples. For example, invasive prior art techniques,such as finger pricking, blood drawing, and oral swab, can easily createsituations in which the system monitor and the subject are both placedat risk. In addition, the system monitor must have special training. Aless invasive technique, such as skin scraping, is also not acceptablesince preparation to take the sample may irritate the subject due toremoval of body hair or live skin tissue. In each of these cases,maintaining the training and the tools required for DNA sampling can bevery costly.

A prior art technique to take DNA samples from a subject's ridge andvalley areas provides a non-invasive method in which preparation isminimal and the risks to all parties are minimized. U.S. Pat. No.6,355,439 to Chung, et al., the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, teaches a method and a combined kitfor taking a sample of the epidermis by means of an adhesive sheet andstoring the sample, and extracting DNA from the epidermis sample stuckto the adhesive sheet.

Published U.S. Patent Application No. 20020037094, by Salva Calcagno andEduardo Luis, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference, discloses a safety identification device for collectingfingerprints and DNA related material from an individual, for use inverifying the identity of an individual, such as in documents and forms.The device comprises at least one layer for collecting and retaining thefingerprint and the material from the individual, and at least anotherlayer attached to the at least one layer for protecting and preservingthe material for determining the DNA of the individual. This patentapplication considers the use of OCR for fingerprint matching. OCR, orOptical Character Recognition, is used extensively for readingalphabetic characters but, as those skilled in the art know, OCR is notused for matching fingerprints. Further, this patent application teachescollection from only the fingers of an individual and does not considercollection from the remainder of the hands or the feet. Salva Calcagnoand Eduardo Luis do not teach or suggest collection of forensic qualityridge and valley signatures. For example, as a subject applies theirridge and valley signatures to a DNA capture film, certain portions ofthe ridges may not contribute to the DNA sample since there is nobio-matter on that portion of the skin. Hence, when the DNA capturelabels are enhanced there are breaks in the ridge patterns. Likewise,there may be filled-in portions in the valleys as some portions of thevalleys may contain excessive bio-matter. For these reasons, the ridgeand valley signatures obtained with the method of Calcagno et al. cannotmeet the stringent requirements of being classified as forensic qualityridge and valley signatures. Calcagno et al. teaches an invention thatis noninvasive and uses DNA capture film to acquire a sample of asubject's DNA. However, its non-invasive DNA collection system fails toprovide for the collection of forensic quality ridge and valleysignatures, at the same time or otherwise.

WO 97/18009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference, discloses a system and a kit for non-invasive collection ofDNA-bearing material from the inner cheeks of a living person or corpse.This includes swabs of high modulus fibers that scrape DNA material fromthe inner cheeks to obtain sufficient material for futureidentification. It specifically teaches away from sampling cells fromskin. It also mentions a kit that includes the swabs and a means forobtaining and recording ink fingerprints.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,922 to Harvey, et al., incorporated herein byreference, discloses devices and methods for the collection, storage,and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from fluidsamples for subsequent genetic characterization, primarily byconventional amplification methods. It can be used to collect, store, orpurify nucleic acids either from a biological source other thanuntreated whole blood, the biological source having naturally occurringnucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, (including either abuccal swab, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, lymphatic fluid, a plasmasample, a saliva sample, a serum sample, urine, or a suspension of cellsor viruses), or from a treated whole blood source that has naturallyoccurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, as well asadded blood stabilization components that also inhibit nucleic acidamplification. In particular, an absorbent material that does not bindnucleic acids irreversibly is impregnated with a chaotropic salt. Abiological source sample is contacted with the impregnated absorbentmaterial. Any nucleic acids present in the biological source can beeither eluted or resolubilized off the absorbent material.

Therefore, in view of the above-described references, there still existsa need for a noninvasive DNA collection system that captures forensicquality DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures (forensic quality orotherwise), during a single data collection window, to increase theavailable DNA database collection as well as improve the efficiency,effectiveness, safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of DNA andfingerprint sample collection. That there has been a long-felt need forsuch a forensic quality system is indicated by the length of time thathas elapsed since the filing of the first patent cited above thatteaches capturing live fingerprints, some 29 years, without theinvention of such a system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system that collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures fromthe same subject during the same collection window adds value toforensic data collection processes. Since collection of the DNA samplesand ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window,it can be assured that the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatureidentify the same individual. As the body of DNA samples grows in such afashion, more crimes may be efficiently solved because many more DNAsamples exist with which to accurately identify alleged criminals.

The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a system andmethod for noninvasive forensic DNA sampling and forensic quality ridgeand valley signature collection, comprising:

-   -   at least one DNA capture film (typically a rigid DNA capture        sheet or plate or a flexible DNA capture film) that captures DNA        samples non-invasively;    -   for a single subject during a single collection window, means        for collecting both a DNA sample using this DNA capture film and        for collecting at least one forensic quality ridge and valley        signature;    -   means for specifying an identifier for linking the collected DNA        sample and the collected ridge and valley signature(s);    -   in one preferred embodiment, an optical system as the means for        capturing forensic quality ridge and valley signatures;    -   means for improving the capture of ridge and valley signatures        by using the principle of adhesion to reduce smudges and        distortions.

In a typical embodiment, samples are collected using a transparent DNAcapture film having opposed first and second surfaces typically with asubstrate sandwiched between the surfaces. The first surface has anadhesive to remove biological matter such as dead skin and oils from theridge and valley surface using the principle of adhesion. If the systemuses total internal reflectance to optically capture ridge and valleysignature images, the second surface may provide a film such as asilicone film or an adhesive silicone film so that air bubbles betweenthe film and the platen will be completely removed. Air bubbles in thistype of system will image the bubbles very well thereby corrupting theridge and valley signature images.

Thus, a free standing DNA capture film comprising opposed first andsecond surfaces may be employed, the first surface comprising adhesiveand the second surface comprising a material having a surface energysufficient to adhere to a platen made of glass or transparent solidpolymer (for example acrylates or polycarbonates having few, if anydefects, or other materials suitable for platens), such that presence ofbubbles between the film and the platen is sufficiently avoided tocapture forensic quality fingerprints. By free standing film is meant afilm before being used, e.g., placed on a platen.

The system for capturing ridge and valley signatures may employ energywaves, such as light as described above, or other energy waves such aselectromagnetic waves, capacitance, infra-red or sonic, e.g., ultrasoundbased systems. When the term imaging system is used in the context ofcapturing ridge and valley signatures, this term is taken to mean anysystem that captures a digital or analog representation of ridge andvalley signatures.

For use with optical systems the capture film is typically transparent.Other systems such as direct optical systems that do not rely on totalinternal reflectance, as well as capacitance, infra-red and sonic, e.g.,ultrasound based systems or other energy wave based systems, could useeither such a silicone film or any other adhesive film that does notcorrupt the quality of the images, e,g., an sonic based system mayemploy transparent or opaque films. The substrates upon which theadhesive film is placed can be any of a variety of polymer substrates,typically polymer films. Examples of suitable polymer films includepolyester, polycarbonate and nylon, for example. Silicone sheets orfilms are also suitable substrates for the DNA capture film. Thesubstrates may be flexible or rigid and are generally insoluble in wateror other materials they may contact.

In a preferred embodiment, a forensic quality ridge and valley signatureis captured optically using a high-resolution image sensor such as adigital camera in conjunction with optics.

If desired the invention employs a process for a system monitor tocollect a sample according to a preferred embodiment, which comprisessoliciting and recording demographic data as well as combined collectionof ridge and valley signature data and DNA. In an alternative embodimentDNA samples and the ridge and valley signatures are captured during thesame collection window but not simultaneously, i.e., differentsubprocesses are employed for each type of sample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a illustrates a top view of a prior art optical scanning systemfor the capture of ridge and valley signatures.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a side view of the prior art optical scanningsystem of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a top view of one type of DNA capture film for usewith an optical scanning system according to the present invention forsimultaneous DNA and ridge and valley signature collection.

FIG. 2 b illustrates one or more implementations of a side view of theDNA capture film of FIG. 2 a.

-   -   FIG. 2 c illustrates one or more implementations of a side view        of the DNA Capture film of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a top view of a DNA capture film for use innon-optical DNA sampling.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a side view of the DNA capture film of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process flow diagram of simultaneous capture of DNAsamples and ridge and valley signatures during the same collectionwindow and using the same capture medium, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the process flow for combined capturing of DNAsamples and ridge and valley signatures using separate capture medianon-simultaneously during the same collection window, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a system comprising a DNA capturefilm and an optical scanning system for the simultaneous capture of DNAsamples and ridge and valley signatures, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the capture film as a roll between reels.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment employing a capture film unreeling on onereel to be placed over a platen and then cut after use by a knife.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate a top view of an optical scanning systemfor the capture of ridge and valley signatures for use in the presentinvention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, a forensicquality ridge and valley signature is captured optically using ahigh-resolution image sensor such as a digital camera 102 in conjunctionwith optics. The optics commonly used comprise right angle prisms 101that apply the principle of total internal reflection to create a ridgeand valley image. The top 100 of the right angle prism 101 on which aridge and valley containing area is placed for signature capture iscalled the optical platen 100.

FIG. 6 shows a typical embodiment of an optical scanning system, for thecapture of ridge and valley signatures for use in the present invention,wherein DNA samples are collected using a transparent DNA capture film201. FIGS. 2 a and 3 a show a top view of the capture film 201 whereinrelative dimensions are listed for typical embodiments in inches.

Typical DNA capture films are selected from adhesive sheet, as taught byChung, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,439, or other suitable DNA capturefilms.

FIG. 2 b shows an embodiment of the capture film 201 having opposedfirst and second surfaces typically with a substrate (transparentinsoluble film) sandwiched between the surfaces (see FIG. 2 b). Thefirst surface has a transparent adhesive layer to remove biologicalmatter such as dead skin and oils from the ridge and valley surfaceusing the principle of adhesion. In FIG. 2 b the substrate itselfprovides the second surface. Typically there is also a protective sheetabove the adhesive (See FIG. 2 b). The capture sheet of FIG. 2 b may beemployed with a system using total internal reflectance to opticallycapture ridge and valley signatures. However, if desired, a modifiedcapture film 201 may be employed, with the system using total internalreflectance to optically capture ridge and valley signature images,wherein the second surface may provide a film such as a silicone film(FIG. 2 c) so that air bubbles between the film 201 and the platen 602(see FIG. 6) will be completely removed. Air bubbles in this type ofsystem are undesirable because the system will image the bubbles verywell thereby corrupting the ridge and valley signature images.

FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a process wherein a systemmonitor (person operating the system) uses an embodiment of the presentinvention, for example the embodiment of FIG. 6, to collect a sample.The process comprises soliciting and recording demographic data 400 aswell as combined collection of ridge and valley signature data and DNA.In the process illustrated in FIG. 4, the system monitor prepares atransparent DNA capture film by first obtaining a new transparent DNAcapture film 401. After obtaining the new. DNA capture film 401, the DNAcapture film identifier as imprinted, manually or otherwise, on the DNAcapture film border is collected 402. Typical ways to provide anidentifier include but are not limited to preprinted bar codes,dynamically generated bar codes, computer generated identifiers, andcomputer reference numbers, such as an existing case number or otherpersonal identification number such as a social security number or eventhe test subject's name.

The DNA capture film is positioned and secured on top of the scanningdevice's platen 404, typically with spring clips, and the protectivecovering of the DNA capture film is pulled back 403. Next, combinedcapture of a DNA sample and a ridge and valley signature is accomplished405, 406. The system monitor continually repositions and secures the DNAcapture film so that the next area from which a sample is to be taken isplaced completely over the platen 404. By moving the film, totalinternal reflection based systems will not have degraded images frombiological material left on the film. Note that systems not based ontotal internal reflectance may not require that the film be moved sincethe biological material may not interfere with capturing high qualityimages. As the subject has a DNA sample taken from each of the areas tobe captured, an optical image of the ridge and valley structure is takensimultaneously. A benefit of using the adhesive DNA capture film is thatas the ridge and valley signatures are collected in a rolled manner,i.e., by rolling a ridge and valley area over the capture film,distortions and smudges will be reduced in the resulting images sincethe adhesive inhibits the subject from moving the ridge and valley areathat is on top of the platen. Upon completion of DNA and ridge andvalley sample collection, the system monitor replaces the protectivecovering on the DNA capture film 408, removes the DNA capture film fromthe platen, prepares the necessary report(s) that incorporate theappropriate demographic data and DNA capture film identifier 409, 410,sends DNA capture film and associated report(s) to the appropriate DNAextraction laboratory 412, and sends the ridge and valley signaturereport(s) to the appropriate governing authorities 411.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment wherein DNA samples and the ridgeand valley signatures are captured during the same collection window butnot simultaneously, i.e., different subprocesses are employed for eachtype of sample. In FIG. 5, a DNA sample is collected using a DNA capturefilm 500, e.g., adhesive film, and ridge and valley signatures areseparately captured 509 using a capture vehicle, e.g., ink impressionsapplied to a paper fingerprint card or even using optical imaging. Thereports generated 505, 510 utilize the collected demographic data 516and the DNA capture film identifier as applied, manually or otherwise,to the DNA capture film, i.e., the demographic data and DNA capture filmidentifier are associative, linking the DNA sample and ridge and valleysignatures together as originating with a single subject.

The collection process starts when a subject arrives to have ridge andvalley signatures and/or DNA samples taken. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5if a DNA sample is being collected, the subject is asked to wash and drytheir hands or feet 414, 502. It is important that the hands and/or thefeet be clean to ensure that the DNA sample will reflect the subject'sDNA and not that of someone or something that the subject recently camein contact with. However, it is also acceptable to sample DNA from anindividual without having recently washed their hands. In such cases,stricter controls can be adopted and/or outcomes can be handledeffectively as long as it is known a mixed sample could be obtained.Likewise, the skin should be as dry as possible so that if an adhesivelabel is being used to collect DNA this label can collect a substantialenough sampling of bio-matter from the skin of the subject. The systemmonitor continuously observes the forensic DNA sampling guidelines asoutlined above when a DNA sample is to be taken.

Regardless of what type(s) of sample are being collected, the systemmonitor asks questions of the subject so that demographic data and otherdata is collected 400, 516. Demographic data may include the subject'sname, address, phone number, social security number, and otheridentifying data to be used to associate the collected samples with thesubject for future identification and for entry into databases forfuture reference.

The process for the capture of DNA varies according to the systemmonitor's local policy. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG.4, optical capture of the ridge and valley signatures and DNA samplescapture occur simultaneously while in another preferred embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5 the ridge and valley signatures and DNA samplesuse different capture technologies for each data type. Both FIGS. 4 and5 illustrate capture from a single subject during a single collectionwindow.

When DNA sampling is to take place, the system monitor removes a singlecopy of a new DNA capture film 401, 500 from a sanitary container.

At a point after the DNA capture film has been removed from the sanitarycontainer, the DNA capture film identifier is collected 402, 517. In apreferred embodiment, a computer program can generate this DNA capturefilm identifier and the identifier is then applied to the border of theDNA capture film. In another preferred embodiment, the DNA capture filmitself may be pre-printed with this identifier so that collection of theidentifier is merely reading the identifier on the DNA capture filmborder, manually or otherwise, for inclusion with the demographic data.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the system monitorthen places the DNA capture film 201 onto the optical imaging system toposition 404 the portion of the DNA capture film marked “R. Little” 200(FIG. 2 a; for Right Little finger) above the platen 602. The systemmonitor ensures any spring clips, intended to maintain the position ofthe DNA capture film on the optical scanning device 601, are properlypositioned. At the same time, the system monitor ensures the springclips never contact the DNA capture film throughout the capture process.Should the spring clips touch the DNA capture film, this DNA capturefilm is considered to be contaminated and must be discarded and a newDNA capture film together with a new label must be obtained and used toensure the DNA capture film and label are not contaminated. Referringnow to FIGS. 2 a, 4, 5, and 6, the system monitor pulls back 403, 501the protective covering of the film 600.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrating combined and simultaneous samplecapture, once the DNA capture film has been secured above the platen602, e.g., with spring clips, and the protective covering has beenpulled back 403 the system monitor picks up the subject's Right Littlefinger and rolls the fingerprint of the Right Little finger onto thearea of the DNA capture film 201 marked as “R. Little” 200. During thisrolling operation, a DNA sample of the subject's “R. Little” finger iscaptured 405 by the DNA capture film 201 at the same time the opticalimaging system 601 takes an optical image 406 of the ridges and valleysof the subject's “R. Little” finger. Referring now to FIG. 5illustrating non-simultaneous collection during the same collectionwindow, either the DNA sample or the ridge and valley signatures arecollected during separate subprocesses 514 and 515.

For simultaneous capture, the system monitor moves a fingerprintidentification card bearing the capture film, or upon which the capturefilm is placed, to the next position on the DNA capture film ensuringthat the next fingerprint position of the card is completely above theplaten 602. When the DNA capture film has been properly placed into thenext position, the system monitor either rolls the fingerprint asappropriate or takes a slap print as appropriate. The repositioning ofthe DNA capture film continues until all required ridge and valleysignature areas have been captured. In a preferred embodiment, each DNAcapture film has ten positions for rolled fingerprints—one position foreach finger and thumb. It also has four positions for slap prints—printsthat are taken by merely setting one's fingers on the surface andapplying pressure. The slap positions are for the left four fingerstogether, the right four fingers together, the left thumb and the rightthumb. For non-simultaneous capture the ridge and valley signaturecollection device is manipulated in a similar fashion to obtain a fullset of ridge and valley signatures from the subject.

In the non-simultaneous case, a DNA capture film 201, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 a, 3 b, may be used for a DNA sample collection. In this case,the system monitor prepares the DNA capture film 500, 501 and then thesubject may apply an entire hand or foot to the DNA capture film 201. Inall preferred embodiments of the invention, only small amounts of DNAsamples are actually required; the discussion to this point has providedfor over sampling of DNA in the case that multiple DNA extractions mustbe performed from the same DNA capture film.

In both of the preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, afterthe DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures have been captured fromall of the subject's ridge and valley areas, the DNA samples and theridge and valley signatures must be prepared for delivery to theappropriate authorities. The first step in making this preparation is toreplace the protective covering on the DNA capture film 408, 504. TheDNA capture film is then removed from the optical scanning device, asillustrated in FIG. 4. Zero or more reports are generated for each ofthe DNA sample and the ridge and valley signature sample 409, 410, 505,510. These reports include portions of the demographic data collected400, 516. In addition, the DNA capture film identifier may be used in areport to maintain the proper association between the DNA sample, theridge and valley signatures, and the subject. Reports may be generatedmanually, electronically, or using both manual and electronic methods.Once the reports are complete, the reports are delivered to theappropriate authority using the delivery method prescribed by the systemmonitor's organization.

If desired the DNA capture film can be used as sheets (as describedabove) or a roll configuration (not shown) wherein the film comes off aroll and after use it may be recovered using a take up reel or cuttingoff the unrolled portion of the rolled film after use for sending to alaboratory for analysis.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment employing the roll configuration whichcomprises a capture film 701 unreeling on one of reel 702 to be placedover a platen 704 of an imaging device 700 and being taken up after useon another reel 702.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment employing the roll configuration whichcomprises a capture film 701 unreeling on one of reel 702 to be placedover a platen 704 of an imaging device 700 and being cut after use by aknife 710. After cutting the cut portion of film is stored.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the system and method of thepresent invention applies to many population groups including, but notlimited to, alleged criminals, governmental employees, airportemployees, hazardous material drivers, school system employees, sexoffenders, unidentified corpses, stock brokerage employees, and publicutility employees.

The examples discussed are for illustrative and for discussion purposesonly, and are not intended to represent any limiting manner of use ofthe present invention.

The example of using DNA capture films and optical scanning devices forridge and valley signature capture is by way of example and is notintended in any limiting sense with respect to use of other noninvasivemethods for DNA sample collection or other methods of capturing forensicquality ridge and valley signatures during the same time window. Forexample, the DNA capture film may be used in ridge and valley signaturecollection devices whose sensors are based upon the principals ofcapacitance, infra-red energy, sonic waves, e.g., ultrasound, or otherenergy waves. Or, capture of fingerprints by a system according to thepresent invention may not be in accordance with the Live Scanspecification (i.e., the system used may capture only a singlefingerprint). Further, these systems may not collect forensic qualityimages, where the FBI has established the definition of forensicquality. Because of this, the DNA film does not have to be opticallyclear, with clarity depending upon the method of sampling.

In addition, this invention need not be limited to human application.Applications to animals, such as dogs, may be useful for paw prints andDNA samples.

Processing the Sample

The DNA sample may be used in any of a variety of tests. For example,the DNA in the sample can be extracted and analyzed. For example, thecells can be resuspended in a buffer and the DNA extracted using:commercially available kits such as, but not only, DNA IQ and QuickAmpExtraction; proteases such as Proteinase K, detergents such as sodiumdodecyl sulfate (SDS) and chaotropic agents such as urea or guanidineand diatomceous earth or silica particles; organic solvent extractionsuch as phenol/chloroform and DNA precipitation. Some examples of DNAanalyses include, but are not limited to, Polymerase Chain Reactionfollowed by gel electrophoresis; PCR followed by STR fragment analysis;PCR followed by DNA sequencing; Southern Blot analysis; whole genomeamplification or replication followed by DNA sequencing or Southern Blotanalysis.

In view of the above it is apparent that embodiments other than thosedescribed above may come within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Thus, the present invention is not limited by theabove-described description but rather is defined by the followingclaims.

1. A method of collecting one or more images of at least one ridge andvalley signature and at least one DNA sample from a subject, said methodcomprising the steps of: providing a DNA capture film at a platen of animaging system configured to collect one or more images of the at leastone ridge and valley signature through the platen; positioning an areaof the subject on the DNA capture film; collecting a DNA sample withsaid DNA capture film; and collecting an image, through the DNA capturefilm, of a ridge and valley signature on the area of the subjectpositioned on the DNA capture film the subject while the area of thesubject is positioned on the DNA capture film.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising, repositioning the DNA capture film for collecting asecond DNA sample and a second image of a ridge and valley signaturefrom another area of the subject.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising removing the DNA capture film from the platen for processingof the at least one DNA sample collected on the DNA capture film.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the DNA capture film comprises: at least onelayer of film that is removably disposed on the platen of the imagingsystem; and a layer of adhesive on a side of the film opposite theplaten, wherein the layer of adhesive collects the at least one DNAsample during engagement with the at least one ridge and valleysignature of the subject.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:removing a protective layer from the DNA capture film prior topositioning the area of the subject on the DNA capture film; andreplacing the protective layer on the DNA capture film subsequent tocollection of the image of the ridge and valley signature on the area ofthe subject.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising printing anidentifier on the DNA capture film that identifies the subject.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein collecting the image, through the DNA capturefilm, of the ridge and valley signature on the area of the subjectpositioned on the DNA capture film the subject comprises collecting animage that includes the ridge and valley signature and the identifier.8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: reading the identifierprinted on the DNA capture film; and correlating the image of the ridgeand valley signature with the identifier.